MS in Data Science in Australia: Top Universities, Fees & Jobs

Q: Is Australia good for a Master's in data science?

Yes, Australia is a strong destination for a Masterâs in Data Science because of its globally ranked universities and strong demand for data professionals. Australia also has a good post-study work visa, which allows graduates to work 2-3 years after graduation, depending on their qualification

Why Study a Master's in Data Science in Australia?

Growing Tech Sector in Australia

The tech sector in Australia is one of the third-largest industries, employing over 861,000 people. According to recent data, tech jobs grew more than twice as fast as average employment in the last decade, showing promising growth for graduates in data science.

Strong ROI Compared to US & UK

When it comes to Return on Investment (ROI), unlike the US or other countries, Australia offers a balanced advantage. This is primarily due to the post-study work opportunities that allow graduates to work 2-3 years after graduation, depending on their qualification. Students are also allowed to work part-time for 48 hours per week during semesters and unlimited time during their break.

Top-Ranking Universities

When it comes to having a world-class education, Australia stands as a strong contender to other popular places. According to the QS World University Ranking, the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourneranked among the top 30 globally. Apart from this, Australia proudly houses a total of 9 universities, which rank amongst the top 100 universities in the world. For Indian students, this means an opportunity to learn at institutions that compete with the best, with the added benefit of an English-medium education and a welcoming environment.

Student-Friendly Cities

Australia is an attractive option due to the lively atmosphere that it provides to the students. The country boasts having more than 7 cities in Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, and the Gold Coast, which make it into the top 100 Best Student Cities list. Students can expect a vibrant and safe environment to study in and rest assured that their both academic and lifestyle needs are met.

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What is a Master's in Data Science?

A Master’s in Data Science is a postgraduate program that equips students with analytical and technical skills to use data science to guide strategic decision-making.

Students explore topics like data mining, machine learning and data visualisation, and develop the skills to communicate data insights to key stakeholders effectively.

The program is typically 1.5 to 2 years full-time, with some universities offering accelerated options (1 to 1.5 years) for students with relevant backgrounds.

Top Universities for Master's in Data Science in Australia

Australia boasts of many top institutions that offer a Master's in Data Science. Find top courses below, along with their fees and duration.

University	Program/ Related Program	Duration	Tuition Fees
The University of Melbourne	Master of Data Science	2 years full-time	AUD 57,984 (first year) INR 37 lacs
The University of Sydney	Master of Data Science	1.5 years full-time	AUD 57,900 (first year) INR 37 lacs
Monash University	Master of Data Science	2 years full-time	AUD 55,700 (per year) INR 35 lacs
The University of New South Wales	Master of Data Science and Decisions	2 years full-time	AUD 128,000 (total) INR 83 lacs
The University of Queensland	Master of Data Science	1.5 or 2 years full-time	AUD 58,056 (annual) INR 37 lacs
RMIT University	Master of Data Science	2 years full-time	AUD 44,160 (per year) INR 28 lacs
Macquarie University	Master of Data Science	2 years full-time	AUD 46,300 (per year) INR 29 lacs
Deakin University	Master of Data Science	2 years full-time	AUD 44,200 (per year) INR 28 lacs
The University of Adelaide	Master of Data Science	2 years full-time	AUD 52,300 (per year) INR 34 lacs
La Trobe University	Master of Data Science	2 years full-time	AUD 43,800 INR 28 lacs

*Fees are indicative and subject to change annually.

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Eligibility & Admission Requirements for Master's in Data Science in Australia

Admission requirements for a Master's in Data Science in Australia can vary by university, but there is a general set of requirements that all institutions expect from students.

Criteria	Details
Academic	A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Computer Science or related course). Minimum academic score of 65-75% or equivalent GPA.
English Language Requirement	Common minimum scores are: IELTS: Overall 6.5-7.0 (no band below 6.0-6.5) TOEFL iBT: 80-100+
GRE	GRE is not mandatory for Australian universities in this program. However, a strong GRE score can strengthen applications for competitive programs.
Work Experience	Not mandatory as the degree is meant for fresh graduates or early-career professionals. But relevant experience, internships or projects in the field will strengthen your application.
Documents Required	Academic transcripts and degree certificates Statement of Purpose (SOP) Updated CV or resume Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (usually 1-2, if required) Proof of English language proficiency Passport copy
Study Permit	Students must apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500), which requires: Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Proof of sufficient funds (tuition + living expenses) Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Genuine Student (GS) statement English proficiency proof

*Entry requirements may vary across universities and programs. Applicants should always verify the specific eligibility criteria on the official university course page before applying.

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Cost of Studying a Master's in Data Science in Australia

Apart from the tuition fees, students also need to pay for a visa and healthcare.

Visa Application Fee: AUD 2,000 (INR 1.2 lacs)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Around AUD 630 to 850+ per year

Cost of Living

According to the Department of Home Affairs, you must prove that you have AUD 29,710 (INR ~17 lacs) for living costs per year. This figure is required by Australia’s immigration standards, but it does not necessarily mean that you will need to spend this much during your stay.

According to Study Australia, a student can expect the following expenses on average for various things:

Expense Type	Monthly Cost
Accommodation	AUD 90 to AUD 440 (INR 5,229 to INR 25,567)
Food	AUD 140 to AUD 280 (INR 8,135 to INR 16,270)
Gas and electricity	AUD 10 to AUD 20 (INR 581 to INR 1,162)
Phone bill/ Wi-Fi	AUD 30 to AUD 60 (INR 3,486 to INR 5,229)
Public transport	AUD 30 to AUD 60 (INR 3,486 to INR 5,229)
Entertainment	AUD 80 to AUD 150 (INR 4,648 to INR 8,716)
Total	≈ AUD 900 (INR 57K)

*The figures mentioned above are indicative and subject to change every year.

Total Estimated Cost

Mid-range universities: AUD 76,000-83,000 (~INR 42-46 lakhs)
Top-ranked universities: AUD 87,000-95,000 (~INR 48-52 lakhs)

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Jobs & Salary After a Master's in Data Science in Australia

Career Outcomes

A Master's in Data Science from Australia opens multiple opportunities. Find some of the career options that you could explore, along with the average annual salary.

Job Role	Average Annual Salary
Data scientist	AUD 115,000 to AUD 135,000
Business analyst	AUD 110,000 to AUD 130,000
Data analyst	AUD 90,000 to AUD 110,000
Systems Analyst	AUD 85,000 to AUD 105,000
Technical Analyst	AUD 95,000 to AUD 115,000
Risk Analyst	AUD 100,000 to AUD 120,000
Portfolio Manager	AUD 145,000 to AUD 165,000

*The above figures are indicative and may vary by location and employer.

Top Hiring Companies/ Sectors

According to the data provided by the University of Melbourne, the following sectors hire for this field:

Technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM
Financial institutions such as ANZ, NAB, and Commonwealth Bank
Healthcare and biotech firms such as CSL, Medibank, and hospital research institutes
Government agencies and research institutions such as CSIRO and the Bureau of Statistics

Scholarships for Master's in Data Science in Australia

University-Funded Scholarships

Many universities have several scholarships that are available to international students. Either they will cover the full cost or provide partial tuition, and sometimes they also provide stipends for a student's living expenses.

Scholarship	University	Details
Sydney International Student Award	The University of Sydney	Students receive 20% contribution towards their tuition fees on the basis of their academic achievements
Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship	The University of Sydney	Awards up to AUD 100,000 scholarship to financially support commencing postgraduate coursework students from India
Sydney Scholars India Scholarship Program	The University of Sydney	Awards AUD 500,000 worth of scholarships based on merit
International Onshore Merit Scholarship	The University of Queensland	Awards AUD 10,000 tuition fee reduction to exceptional international students
UQ International Excellence Scholarship	The University of Queensland	Students receive 25% reduction in tuition fees per semester

Most of the universities publish detailed scholarship pages. Students can check the full details regarding the eligibility, deadline and application procedures on the official website of the selected institutions.

Government & External Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarship is provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is available to students from developing countries. Benefits include full tuition fee sponsorship, return air travel, a one-off establishment allowance and a fortnightly living stipend, overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for the duration of the award, access to the Introductory Academic Program (IAP) and further supplementary academic support throughout the course.
The Inlaks Scholarship awards amounts up to USD 120,000 and covers tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, visa costs and health allowance, up to USD 120,000
The J. N. Tata Endowment Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded for full-time Postgraduate / PhD/ Postdoctoral studies overseas, across all disciplines, driven by defined eligibility criteria.

Learn about more Scholarship Opportunities for International Universities in our detailed blog.

Is a Master's in Data Science the Right Choice for You?

A Master’s in Data Science in Australia can offer strong ROI, post-study work opportunities, and PR-friendly pathways, but only if it aligns with your academic profile, technical skills, and long-term goals.

For over two decades, Career Launcher Study Abroad has guided Indian students with personalised counselling and university admissions support across Australia, the UK, the USA, Canada, and many other countries.

With 29+ years of expertise and 2,00,000+ successful applicants, our best-fit approach ensures you apply strategically rather than randomly.

We help you:

Shortlist profile-matched universities
Build strong SOPs and LORs
Improve admission and scholarship chances
Plan your long-term career pathway

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This guide is curated with insights from Career Launcher’s Study Abroad team, which has over 29+ years of experience guiding Indian students to leading global universities. Our Australia Admissions Counsellors regularly mentor students applying to competitive Data Science programmes across Australia.

FAQ's

Is Australia good for a Master's in data science?

Yes, Australia is a strong destination for a Master's in Data Science because of its globally ranked universities and strong demand for data professionals. Australia also has a good post-study work visa, which allows graduates to work 2-3 years after graduation, depending on their qualification

How do I get a job as a data scientist in Australia?

You can secure a job as a data scientist in Australia by building strong technical skills like Python, SQL, and ML. Further, you can complete internships or industry projects during your degree to give your resume a boost. Networking through LinkedIn and university career fairs will also help you.

Which university is best for data science in Australia?

Australia has many top universities for data science, including the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, Monash University and University of Queensland.

Is coding mandatory for a Master's in Data Science?

Yes, most programs for Data Science require their students to have knowledge in programming like Python, R, and SQL. Some universities also offer preparatory modules if you lack the necessary coding experience.

Can non-IT students apply for Data Science in Australia?

Yes, non-IT students can apply for Data Science if they have a strong mathematics or statistics background. They also need some exposure to programming. Students from engineering, economics, physics, and mathematics backgrounds are commonly admitted.

What are the PR (Permanent Residency) prospects after studying Data Science in Australia?

Many data-related jobs, like ICT Business Analyst, Data Analyst, and Software Engineer, are often listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation Lists (subject to change). This means that graduates with relevant work experience can explore skilled migration pathways.

Master's in Data Science in Australia: Best Universities, Fees, Eligibility & Jobs